Tulsa superintendent releases recommendations quarter two learning mode

(TULSA, Okla.) Monday evening, Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Deborah Gist presented her recommendations to the Board of Education for potential changes in learning modes for the second quarter of the school year. Superintendent Gist has recommended that if COVID-19 conditions remain stable or improve, the district recommends (pending Board approval) beginning to carefully phasing students back to in-person learning beginning on Monday, Nov. 9.   During the Board meeting, Superintendent Gist shared three potential scenarios for a return to in-person learning.   The district developed the recommendations through research and data and in close collaboration with public health experts and medical advisors. The district also gathered feedback from school leaders, teachers, support professionals, students, families, and community members.    The district intends to provide flexibility for parents who would prefer that their children continue in distance learning at home.    “We are very concerned about the health and safety of everyone in our community, and that includes the physical, mental, social, and emotional health of the children and families we serve,” said Gist. “These are incredibly difficult decisions, and we are listening to all of the perspectives we’re hearing, we’re reviewing the research, we’re engaging with health experts, and we are working to understand the full scope of the public health implications of this pandemic even as conditions change almost daily,” said Gist.    Tulsa Health Department Executive Director Bruce Dart said: “Every parent in Tulsa County can agree the safety of our children is paramount. I appreciate the thorough and thoughtful discussions that have taken place with Tulsa Public School administrators regarding their recommendation to return to the classroom in a hybrid model. These are not easy decisions, and the multi-faceted balance of public health and safety must be taken into consideration. The Tulsa Health Department remains committed to providing timely, accurate and local data for all community members and decision-makers.”   Gist said: “Our focus is on keeping students and teachers safe, which means planning for a careful phasing back to in-person learning given community COVID-19 infection rates in our city. We all need and want our students back in our school buildings as soon and as safely as possible, and every Tulsan has a role to play in decreasing COVID-19 infection rates. You can do your part by wearing your mask, washing your hands, and watching your distance.”   The Tulsa Public Schools Board of Education will make a decision about how the district will return to learning in quarter two on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m. Members of the public can access streaming video of the meeting and find information about speaking to the Board at www.tulsaschools.org/board.    For more information on Tulsa Public Schools quarter two recommendation, visit www.tulsaschools.org.